Jonathan William Anderson, one of London's most talked-about designers, recently visited Japan. Jonathan studied menswear at the London College of Fashion and founded his own brand, J.W. Anderson, in 2007. He began working on a men's collection in Fall/Winter 2008 and a women's collection in Fall/Winter 2011-2012. Despite being just 28 years old, he has already secured sponsorship from organizations like NEWGEN (a project supporting emerging British designers). To celebrate the release of his second collaboration with Topshop, Anderson visited the Topshop Miraza Shinjuku store and the Isetan Shinjuku store, where his own collection line is sold. We spoke to him about his creations and his impressions of Japan. --What is the source of inspiration for your creations? I live in Dalston, known as one of London's coolest areas, and I often find inspiration in my daily life there. With the theme of clothing that can be shared by both men and women, I design both men's and women's pieces with the same person in mind. I've loved fashion since I was a child, and was so moved by an Alexander McQueen show that I decided to become a fashion designer.

--Business seems to be going well. What is the reason for this?

A lot of hard work! Never compromise, and once you find a goal, see it through to the end.

--What's your next goal?

To open a store. I want to further promote the J.W. Anderson concept and brand image.

--What is unique about this collaboration with Topshop?

Each item is designed to be combined with a variety of other styles, so I hope you'll enjoy it freely, matching it to your personal wardrobe, whether it's a grunge or retro style.

--What are your favorite items?

A quilted skirt made by a long-established British denim factory and a monochrome sweater with a dodo graphic as the highlight. I was attracted to the dodo's amusing appearance and the fact that it is an extinct bird.

--What is your everyday style?

I always wear Converse. I like basic things like A.P.C. jeans. Maybe I choose simple things because I'm always surrounded by fashion.

--What is your impression of Japan?

I love Japan because there are always new ideas and concepts. I can see why street photographers and bloggers like Tommy Ton want to come to Japan. Japan has also produced some amazing designers who are influencing the global fashion industry. I admire Rei Kawakubo. I admire her modern perspective, beautiful and emotional designs, and uncompromising creations.

--What did you get out of this visit to Japan?

I did a lot of shopping today, visiting Dover Street Market Ginza, Isetan Shinjuku, bookstores, coffee shops, vintage shops, and more. I especially bought a lot of photo books about fashion and Japanese costumes. Books by Bruce Weber and Frank Lloyd Wright, for example.